Bosch Rexroth Expands ctrlX OS

Dec. 18, 2024

With more than 100 ecosystem partners, now including Pepperl+Fuchs, ServiceNow and SMC, and the introduction of new app bundles, Bosch Rexroth continues to focus on centering ctrlX as industry’s vendor-neutral operating system.

David Greenfield, editor in chief

Automation World has been following developments of Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX since its introduction in 2020. In our first meetings with Bosch Rexroth about ctrlX, Brian Schmidt, senior application engineer at Bosch Rexroth, described how the Linux-based multicore technology “breaks down the boundaries between industrial PCs, embedded system platforms and drive-based technology by providing one control system for all of these functions. Regardless of whether you use ctrlX as a stand-alone device, integrated into an industrial PC or a ctrlX drive, the look and feel and programming is exactly the same, regardless of the hardware platform.”

A key aspect of ctrlX is its app-based approach to add specific capabilities. As Schmidt described it, “The idea is that if you need motion control, you can install a motion app. If you need a PLC, you can install a PLC app. There are also apps for different programming environments, like Node-Red and Python, as well as apps for Internet of Things applications. And all the functionality that's needed from the app is built into a single file.”

In addition to PLC, motion, HMI and IoT apps, ctrlX also has app categories for communications and engineering, as well as sensing and vision. The ctrlX OS Store now includes more than 80 apps in 16 categories, all of which are validated according to Bosch Rexroth guidelines. About half of these apps come from third-party providers, which Bosch Rexroth says underscores the co-creation approach that is becoming more prevalent in automation to help technology companies provide the specific applications users and OEMs need.

Dave Boeldt, product manager at Bosch Rexroth noted that, in Europe, the most popular ctrlX apps relate to use of IT programming like NodeRed for IoT applications. In the U.S., PLC and motion apps are most popular followed OPC UA and NodeRed.

New ctrlX apps

In a recent meeting with Bosch Rexroth about ctrlX developments, four updates were highlighted:

Model Connect offers an alternative to classic PLC programming by combining ctrlX OS devices with model-based software development systems to simplify software maintenance and improve efficiency and quality. The first version of Model Connect supports MatLab and Simulink to develop, validate and simulate machines or special process and control technology.
The ctrlX Motion app has a new API (application programming interface) that allows users to extend the app with their own motion expertise. Up to 128 drives can be supported with this app, which also includes several new PLCopen functions.
The AI-based LumiScan suite from ctrlX World partner HD Vision Systems helps integrate vision systems into ctrlX OS-based devices by training of models on ctrlX IPCs or PCs. Boch Rexroth noted that this is “particularly beneficial for quality inspection and pick-and-place applications in robotics, simplifying the commissioning and implementation of vision systems.”
An update to the ctrlX Works Engineering app has made it modular so that users can upload the specific engineering tools they need, such as ctrlX Drive, ctrlX I/O and/or ctrlX PLC Engineering.

Bosch Rexroth has also created app packages, the most popular of which are for remote access, monitoring and connectivity, according to the company.

For remote access, the apps handle monitoring, control and troubleshooting for ctrlX OS-based devices and networks, regardless of their location. For example, users can mix and match technologies from ctrlX World partners, such as the VPN client from Ixon and security from MB connect line, and supplement these with an additional firewall app. For monitoring, apps such as the IoT Dashboard, InfluxDB and Node-Red enables users to receive real-time and non-real-time visibility of device data to detect errors, optimize performance and reduce downtime.

And for connectivity, apps such as OPC UA Server/Client, the MQTT Broker Eclipse Mosquitto, Modbus TCP and the Bosch DeviceBridge enable integration into company networks and AI applications.

Bosch Rexroth ctrlX World ecosystem of partners..

Pepperl+Fuchs, Service Now and SMC join ctrlX World

SMC is the first pneumatics provider to join Boch Rexrth’s ctrlX World, providing for the integration of pneumatic and electric automation technologies into ctrlX OS devices. For example, the connection of the valve manifold on the EX260 and JXC controller from SMC can now be done directly through EtherCAT to ctrlX OS devices for control of a machine’s air flow. Electrical drive functions can also be mapped and integrated.

The IO-Link masters from Pepperl+Fuchs act as a link to ctrlX to connect Pepperl+Fuchs’ sensors and actuators to higher-level software systems such as ERP or MES to connect production operations to corporate systems. Pepperl+Fuchs RFID systems also now connect to ctrlX for non-contact identification and traceability in manufacturing and logistics processes.

ServiceNow’s cloud-based platform for streamlining workflow processes now integrates into ctrlX OS devices via Rest API, webhooks and ETL functions. BoschRexroth explained that this addition of ServiceNow capabilities gives users the ability to optimize operations, increase productivity and drive digital transformation on a single platform.

About the Author

David Greenfield, editor in chief | Editor in Chief

David Greenfield joined Automation World in June 2011. Bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and media experience to his position, David’s contributions can be found in AW’s print and online editions and custom projects. Earlier in his career, David was Editorial Director of Design News at UBM Electronics, and prior to joining UBM, he was Editorial Director of Control Engineering at Reed Business Information, where he also worked on Manufacturing Business Technology as Publisher.